Methane is a gas found on most planets with atmospheres. In limited amounts, it isn’t a particularly problematic gas. In larger amounts, however, it can become a regulator of atmosphere temperatures. Methane and Potential Impacts on Global Warming Methane is fairly common gas found in nature. It is produced from both natural elements of the biomass cycle and artificial industrial sources. Methane is classified as a greenhouse gas and is believed to contribute to global warming. Methane... more
The Future of Solar PV (Photovoltaic) Energy 1. The Problem 2. The Solution 3. The Results 4. The Benefits 5. An Investment in the Future 1. The Problem: Traditional sources of electrical power generation are running out as production will peak in the next decade but demand will continue to rise. Energy prices will continue to rise at a higher rate as well as the number of outages during peak hours. There is the obvious problem of the pollution we are causing to our environment. From my... more
Question: What inspired you initially to begin your Trash Talk venture? Answer: As a society, we are bombarded with negative information about the environment and our resources constantly. Feeling powerless because we cannot afford to donate cash or time to a cause, we begin to feel overwhelmed by the immense environmental problems our world faces. Psychologists know that simply performing one positive action helps to define a positive outlook on life and will inspire further participation from... more
In 100 years, we’ve gone from horse and buggy to over 14 million cars on Indian roads. Increased road rage and gridlock affect everyone. One of the greatest benefits of sharing the ride to work is taking the stress out of driving. Rather than beginning the day irritated from fighting traffic and searching endlessly for parking, you’ll arrive ready to take on the task at hand. There is another, more tragic cost related to automobile use: degradation of our environment. Every day, millions... more
People are now asking more and more questions as to how firms are manufacturing their products as well as wanting to know where the materials are coming from. Potential customers are now more likely to go with a supplier who has taken onboard corporate social responsibility. Academic studies have shown that a company who operates directly with social responsibility are likely to do better in business than those that don’t. “A 1997 DePaul University study found that companies with a defined... more
Each summer, I visit the Chequamagon National Forest in Wisconsin. An amazingly beautiful and lush forest, this place is my sanctuary. I stay at a low-key resort, in a cabin overlooking Lake Namekagon. It’s a breath of fresh air – quite literally – to spend two weeks each year at this place, away from bustling streets and busy people. It’s like a different world. Or, at least, it was. I had a very different experience this past July. Upon entering our cabin, my fiance and... more
After answering several inquiries regarding our success at eradicating weeds from Sluice Pond and raising funds to establish weed control, I thought an article describing a successful process would help others in Massachusetts and New England. A brief history-Sluice Pond is a 50+ acre body of water with approximately 165 homes that abut the pond. Sluice Pond, fed by the Cedar Brook and natural springs, is one of five ponds located 10 miles Northeast of Boston that meander in a “Strawberry... more
It can sometimes be difficult to visualize the importance and direct effect that simple conservation efforts can have when we are bombarded with negative information regularly. Lets take a look at what a few changes in the activities around the kitchen sink can do. Rather than running the tap when cleaning vegetables, use a bowl of water. Later, reuse it to water outdoor plants. Reusing water from rinsing out the coffeepot for outdoor plants, the compost or lawn is something we do all the time. Rich... more
For the first time since the oil shortages in the 1970s, efforts to convert to renewable energy have accelerated. In the case of wind power in Maine, this has caused an odd conflict. Environmentalists and the Wind Power Debate In Maine If you have filled up at the gas station recently, you know fuel prices are going through the roof. There is only so much fine crude in the world, and it is under pressure. Most people don’t understand that there are different types of oil. The type that is... more
Happy New Year! It’s not too late to make your recycling resolutions. The holidays are finally over and we can all hopefully begin slowing down and getting our lives back to normal. If your home is like mine, the holidays left you with a huge mess. Empty boxes and torn wrapping paper litter the floor after the kids excitedly open their gifts. It’s so tempting to gather it all up and through it in the outside garbage bin. But this is a great opportunity to not only recycle, but to reuse.... more
